Founders Day Events Feb. 16

Illinois State University will hold its annual Founders Day observance on Thursday, Feb. 16. The day's events will celebrate Illinois State's heritage and traditions and honor the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni. For more information and event registration, visit the Founders Day website.

Events will begin at 10 a.m. with the Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony in the Bone Student Center Prairie Room. Selected faculty, staff, students, alumni and others will ring the bell 155 times to mark the University's years of existence.

Displays highlighting Illinois State's history and academic mission will be part of the STATE Showcase in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A luncheon for invited employees with 10 or more years of service at the University will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bone Student Center Old Main Room.  Years of service awards will be distributed during that time in the Bone Student Center Spotlight Room. 

The Founders Day Convocation will take place at 2 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom. The ceremony will include the presentation of some of the University's highest awards, including the University Professor, Distinguished Professor, Outstanding Teacher and Researcher and A/P and Civil Service Distinguished Service honors. Other awards will recognize excellence in teaching, research, service and commitment to diversity. A reception will follow the Convocation at 3:30 p.m.

An Alumni Awards Dinner will be held that evening at 6 p.m. at the Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main in Normal. The cost for the dinner is $25 per person. For registration information, contact Alumni Relations at 438-2586 or visit the Alumni Relations website.